| | Published March 2nd, 2022
| Legislation introduced to clamp down on illegal dumping
| | | By Sora O'Doherty | | |
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who represents Lamorinda, has introduced legislation in response to a surge in illegal dumping in California. "The illegal dumping of trash, furniture, mattresses, appliances, and toxic materials is out of control in both our rural and urban areas - it isn't just unsightly, it is putting the health of our communities and environment at risk," according to Bauer-Kahan. "Every Californian deserves the right to live in clean, garbage-free neighborhoods."
The subject of illegal dumping along Highway 24 in Orinda was recently discussed by the Orinda City Council, and Council Member Amy Worth said that she had personally examined materials illegally dumped near the Wilder development and concluded that they contained refuse from municipal road works.
The bill, which builds upon existing legislation, would raise fines on illegal dumping of commercial quantities up to $5,000 for a first conviction, up to $10,000 for a second conviction, and up to $20,000 for a third or subsequent conviction. Currently the law provides for fines of up to $1,000 for a first conviction, up to $1,500 for a second conviction, and up to $3,000 for a third or subsequent conviction.
Additionally, the bill, AB 2374, would give judges discretion to require the convicted to pay for the removal of their illegal dumping, suspend the business license of any individual convicted of dumping waste connected to their business, and allow for that person's name and name of the business to be publicly displayed as convicted of illegal dumping. |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA